Posted on 02/27/2013 11:06:16 PM PST by bruinbirdman
Ireland's trade union chief has accused the EU-IMF troika in charge of Irish austerity policies of tipping the economy into downward spiral and acting as an imperial oppressor.
"The Troika has done more damage to Ireland than Britain ever did in 800 years," said David Begg, head of the Irish Confederation of Trade Unions.
David Begg said the image of Ireland as the poster-child of EU recovery was a myth culitivated by EU creditors
whose only interest is to recoup their money
Mr Begg said the image of Ireland as the poster-child of EU recovery was a myth culitivated by EU creditors whose only interest is to recoup their money.
"At least the IMF officials are willing to admit they have been wrong but the EU officials are total ideologues."
"It is like being in an awful World War One conflict where the generals have expended a million lives to gain one yard of ground, yet nothing will change their mind in face of all the evidence."
The trade unions say internal consumption has collapsed by 26pc, and investment has fallen to the lowest level in recorded Irish history. Under-employment has reached 23pc despite emigration to Canada, Australia, the US and Britain. "The austerity has to stop. People feel they are drowning," he said.
The outburst comes a day after Irish unions reached a provisional deal with the government for a further round of public sector pay cuts averaging 5.5pc, rising to 10pc for higher earners such as doctors. This follows 14pc pay cuts already in force.
The grim picture is starkly at odds with a optimistic review by finance minister Michael Noonan, who told foreign journalists that exports are booming and the country is on track to return to full market access
(Excerpt) Read more at telegraph.co.uk ...
They’re actually saying it now, eh?
Thanks bruinbirdman.
The Irish have never taken kindly to being ruled by a foreign power. It’s only a matter of time before someone rises up. Could it be the Irish?
Poor ickle bog-trotter goonion “leader’!
Lil’ extortionist whinin’ ‘bout big, bad money bags chappies wanting their money back?
Pity!
living within their means is horrifying
remember when they were the Celtic tiger? no, they don’t
Whining trade unionists: in my book that’s a good thing. Go Troika!
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